Open Jam with Tim Melanson - Wednesdays at Morton Pub, Thursdays at Point Park WizeGuyz

I host two jam nights a week.

The Vibe:

Wednesday - you don't really have to know the song that's being played... You can figure it out as you go, or play it your own way. Let's just have some fun.

Wednesday Rules:

If you play and sing, then you get first dibs... Everyone gets at least 3 songs... More depending on how many artists are there and how well you are rocking the night... I do my best to make sure everyone gets a chance.

If you are a singer and do not play... I can play songs with you, however, if there are other musicians who sing and also play, they get first dibs... so the best thing to do is bring someone to play guitar for you and then you also get the minimum 3 songs...

I try to mix things up as much as possible so if you show up with a band and you all want to play at the same time, please send me a quick message firs and show up right at 10.

Location : Morton Pub

Thursday - we tend to stick to the song, so if you want to play a song with a few musicians that also know the song (maybe not 100% of course but close enough) then Thursday one is for you.

Thursday Rules:

If the stage is empty, you can play what you want. However, if no one wants to jump on stage with you then I'll ask you to play something that everyone wants to play or I'll switch it up.

The trick to Thursday is to play the songs that the other musicians want to play... If you don't sing, then find a singer to sing the songs you want to play...

If you play and sing then you get 3 songs or more depending on whether everyone wants to keep playing your songs... The goal is for everyone to have fun... so sometimes we can jam on originals as long as they are well constructed and intuitive. The best bet is to play awesome songs that we all know or can figure out quickly.

I keep an eye on how many musicians are there and I try to give everyone equal playing time.

I try to mix things up as much as possible so if you show up with a band and you all want to play at the same time, please send me a quick message first and show up right at 10.

Location : Point Park WizeGuyz

Equipment:

I bring an acoustic guitar, electric guitar & amp, electronic drumset and bass

If you are a singer, you can sing songs with me, I have a book of songs or you can sing lyrics off your phone. If you want to be sure you get a few songs with me, make sure you show up early.

Moncton/Riverview Open Jam

I put together a little demo of what happens at the Open Jam in Riverview on Thursday nights.  People brought drums, bass, guitars... and we had a good old fashioned jam.

It's totally random every week.  Sometimes we have a full setup and sometimes you can play on your own. 

I also run an open mic or open jam in Moncton on wednesdays.  Just come on down around 10pm, bring your favorite instrument and let's jam!

Cheers,
Tim

New Open Mic in Moncton at the Iceberg Pub

Moncton Open mic (or open stage) is about to get even better, my first exposure to the open mic music scene was in Ottawa in 2001. I remember going up on stage for the first time... It was exhilarating and exciting. The two musicians that were with me were first timers as well. They were both crapping themselves out of nervousness, but I remember being fairly calm. I've always loved the spotlight so I just felt natural on stage... plus I had INCREDIBLE players with me, so I knew that we'd be fine... Ok... Sorry for the rant ;)

The point is I'm not new to open mics and I think I've been able to draw from the different styles of other open mic hosts and put together a fun supportive experience.

I've set up a new Open Mic in Moncton at the Iceberg Pub.  The bar is nice and small and intimate... The 'stage' area is a great size.  Lot's of room for a full band.

I also cater to singers who would love the experience of singing into a mic in front of a crowd but just need a guitar player. I have a book full of lyrics (that I bring every week) with a extremely wide and diverse collection of songs to sing that I can play and sing backup. Of course, if you really want to sing something specific that I don't already know... Just let me know the song and chances are I can play a "reasonable faximile". ;-)

So whether you sing or play, you definitely should come out and play a song or two... Or just listen in and have a few cold ones.

To learn more about the Open Mic you can just follow along in the Open Mic Group on Facebook

Also, feel free to join my fan page

Open Mic Moncton Venue Change?

Are you a bar owner looking to attract some new business?

Well, my time with WizeGuyz has come to an end.  I am looking for a new venue.  Preferably something that attracts a 30 something clientele.  I have been hosting open mic for 6 years now and I know how to take over an existing one as well as build it from scratch.

Let me know if you know someone looking and we can chat about strategy.

Cheers,
Tim

Open Mic at WizeGuyz in Moncton

If you are looking for a place to play some music have a few drinks in a low stress environment, then you've found the right place. You can play anything you wish, cover or original and the crowd is super supportive.

Here's an excerpt of a recent Open Mic at WizeGuyz.

Also, if you are a singer, come on by as well.  I have a couple binders of popular songs that you can sing and I will play along to!

Cheers,
Tim

Open Mic in Moncton Still rocking...

I thought I'd post an update of what's going on with me.  I've been in Moncton for about 8 months now and I'm loving it.  The sun is coming out and I'm ready for an awesome summer.  I am still hosting open mic every second Thursday at WizeGuyz and I love it.  We regularly get musicians out and they are all very talented.  Sometimes we even get a drum kit.

I'm looking to start a band this summer and do a bunch more gigs so if you live in Moncton and know someone in the music scene... hook a brother up.  :D

I thought I'd share one of my recent YouTube uploads.  I get requests for Wagon Wheel all the time so I finally decided to learn it.  Now I'm hooked.  Love this song...  It is so much fun to sing. :D

Enjoy!
Tim

Open Mic in Moncton

It has been a while since I've updated this blog, and for good reason.  I've made a huge move to Moncton, New Brunswick to be closer to my family.  I've been here for a few months now and I'm settling in nicely.  I have already landed an open mic here every second thursday at a bar called "Wize Guyz".  It has a great stage and is located downtown Moncton.

If you'd like to follow along, a great way to follow me is through Facebook.